- Nasima Akter
"Kadira Divyaraja' Movie Triumphs at SAFAL 2023
In a splendid showcase of cinematic excellence, the 6th South Asian Film Arts & Literature Festival (SAFAL) 2023, held in Sydney, Australia, witnessed the extraordinary acclaim of the Sri Lankan fantasy film "Kadira Divyaraja." The grand event unfolded at the Events Cinema, Castle Hill, Sydney, where the lead actors, Samar Virmani, and Sonakshi Rawat Singh, basked in well-deserved recognition for their captivating performances.
Directed by the esteemed Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne and produced by Dr. Ravi Liyanage, "Kadira Divyaraja" not only captivated audiences but also garnered a special award for the entire production team. This included Emeritus Professor Sunil Ariyaratne, whose invaluable contributions to the regional cinema industry were acknowledged. The awards were presented by Clr Bernard Purcell, a distinguished Councilor of the City of Ryde.
SAFAL Fest, under the patronage of the Commonwealth Department of Communication & the Arts, City of Ryde, and Macquarie University, stands as a unique platform that showcases the diverse artistic, performance, and literary heritage of the dynamic South Asian nations. These include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
At its core, SAFAL Fest aims to foster multicultural diversity and harmony, bridging cultural gaps between Australians of all backgrounds through engagement, discovery, and collaboration. The festival's inclusion of international and local artists, media, dignitaries, and companies amplifies its vibrancy and outreach, captivating both domestic and international audiences.
Samar Virmani and Sonakshi Rawat Singh, both of Indian origin, illuminated the screen with their performances in "Kadira Divyaraja." Their exceptional portrayals were met with the distinguished achievement award, a testament to their substantial contributions to the film. Bawantha Liyanage, the son of producer Dr. Ravi Liyanage, graciously accepted the award on behalf of the production team.
In a heartfelt reflection, Samar Virmani shared, "I am very humbled by this award, and it is an honor to the entire production team of the film. I hope that this award will encourage other young artists to pursue their passions and to never give up on their dreams."
Sonakshi Rawat Singh, visibly elated by the film's selection and screening at SAFAL 2023, expressed her gratitude. "This is my first time in Sydney. I am really grateful to all my fans and all my well-wishers. I must thank my director Sunil Sir (Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne) and my producer Dr. Ravi (Dr. Ravi Liyanage) for the opportunity."
Saliya Tennakoon, the festival's director, exuded delight, stating, "We are delighted to have Sonakshi and Samar. The film has received a fantastic response and is certainly a super hit at the festival. We are thrilled that 'Kadira Divyaraja' received the distinguished achievement award."
The film made its way to the festival through its Australian Distributor, Lanka Events, an Australian/Sri Lankan Event Management and film distribution company. This step underscores their commitment to promoting Sri Lankan Cinema to the global market. Lanka Events, along with Lanka Vision, stands as the flagship of Yasiru Multimedia Pty Ltd, Sydney, the largest overseas Sri Lankan Media and Entertainment Company, which has been distributing major Sri Lankan films in Australia since 1983.
Kithsiri Karunaratne, chairman of Yasiru Multimedia Pty Ltd Sydney, Australia, emphasized their vision, stating, "We are not just an event management and distribution company. We are committed to promoting Sri Lankan films overseas for both Sri Lankan and mainstream filmgoers and try our best to promote the film worldwide."
In a symphony of talent and dedication, "Kadira Divyaraja" has not only graced the silver screen but has also etched its name in the annals of South Asian cinema. Thanks to the remarkable contributions of its cast and crew, the film continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, offering a poignant glimpse into the rich tapestry of South Asian storytelling. As the festival's spotlight dims, the legacy of this fantasy film endures, leaving an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape.
